Phillies lead allows them massive bullpen advantage in Game 4

The Philadelphia Phillies are up 2-1 in the World Series, and with such a big win, they’ve saved a bullpen resource for Game 4.

The Philadelphia Phillies are getting hot in the playoffs, and they’re seemingly only going to get hotter. The postponement for Game 3 of the World Series fared well in their favor, and it may have caused a ripple effect to benefit them through Game 4 as well.

Arms have been both rested and saved, allowing the Phillies to make moves to their fullest potential without a worry in the world. The whole rotation has been shifted while players were still allowed regular rest, and a rain postponement became one of the most beautiful silver linings for the Phillies.

It allowed Ranger Suarez to still start on Tuesday night, as planned, but for Game 3 rather than Game 4. It saved Noah Syndergaard from having to be used as the Game 3 starter, saving him as a bullpen arm if needed for the time being. Suarez did beautifully, as expected with an incredible postseason ERA of 1.23, batting average against of .167 and WHIP of 1.02.

He pitched five innings, in which the Phillies were up 7-0 and didn’t have to tap into their best bullpen arms. Having all of their resources could be absolutely lethal to the Houston Astros.

Phillies bullpen is loaded and ready to fight the Astros

Philadelphia’s offense has been on another level this postseason, that’s no secret. They’ve been turning their home playoff games into home run showcases, but their bullpen has been questionable all season. Syndergaard is ideal to keep in the game as long as possible because his postseason numbers are incredible with an ERA of 1.69, BAA of .158 and WHIP of 0.75.

He has experience as a reliever, and he’d be a great one if needed. Using him up as a starter would knock him out for a few games from regular rest, and that’s not something the Phillies should do if they can avoid it.

Regardless, they’re in the true fighting spirit of Philadelphia. They’re channeling what they can from the Rocky Balboa statue in the city, and they’re in a good spot to win it all with all of their good bullpen resources available.